ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged
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ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged: A science podcast for cool teachers
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Aug 28, 2023
Interactive Simulations: PhET's Classroom Revolution with Ariel Paul, Part 2
In this two-part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.
Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide.
This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education.
Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons
PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder
Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here.
You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims
ABOUT ariel
Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.
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Aug 21, 2023
Interactive Simulations: PhET's Classroom Revolution with Ariel Paul, Part 1
In this two part episode, we explore the dynamic world of science education. Host Dave chats with Ariel Paul, a key contributor to the PhET Interactive Simulations project, delving into the art of making science engaging and accessible for all learners. They unravel the project's mission of creating interactive simulations that foster deep understanding and excitement in science classrooms. The conversation delves into the evolution of education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and critical thinking skills.
Ariel and Dave ponder the challenges and opportunities of preparing students for an ever-changing job landscape, touching on the significance of hands-on vocational skills and cultivating curiosity. They also reflect on the philosophy of science, stressing its dynamic and imperfect nature while promoting healthy skepticism. The discussion unfolds to highlight the project's global impact, particularly the PhET Fellows Program that empowers educators worldwide.
This enlightening episode encourages listeners to appreciate the power of simulation-based learning and the vitality of representing diverse voices in the world of science education.
Free PhET Interactive Simulations Lessons
PhET Interactive Simulations from the University of Colorado, Boulder
Help keep PhET Simulations free! Donate here.
You can connect with PhET Interactive Simulations here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PhET-Interactive-Simulations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phetsims/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhETSims
ABOUT ariel
Ariel Paul has been a member of the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado since 2011, both as a designer and helping to oversee the development of the simulations. An advocate for broadening participation in STEM, he has taught physics at the high school and undergraduate levels. Ariel received his B.A. in physics in 1999 from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the PhET team, Ariel received his Ph.D. in physics in 2007 from the University of Colorado for his research focused on coherent imaging with extreme-ultraviolet light. Following his Ph.D., he also completed an apprenticeship in scientific instrument making.
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Aug 14, 2023
Exploring the Intersection of Science, Culture, Color and Alcohol with Adam Rogers: Part 2
In part 2 of this episode, the insightful Adam Rogers, Senior Correspondent for Insider, takes listeners on a profound journey through the intertwining realms of science, education, and society. This episode is a must-listen for every science teacher aiming to spark genuine interest in their students.
The lively discussion kicks off with an exploration into urban planning and the dynamics of cities in a post-pandemic world. Using San Francisco as a prime example, Rogers elaborates on the ramifications of unused commercial spaces due to COVID-19, igniting a conversation about societal impacts, city resilience, and the pressing need for adaptation. The duo also ventures into the realm of city infrastructure, from the dangers of large vehicles to the often controversial subjects of protected bike lanes and urban housing initiatives. For educators, this segment offers a real-world context to engage students in subjects ranging from urban planning to socio-economic impacts of global events.
But perhaps the most engaging part for science educators is Rogers' impassioned discourse on the power of curiosity. Drawing from personal experiences, he speaks about the magic of discovering and understanding new scientific concepts. He emphasizes the importance of not just absorbing facts, but truly understanding the "why" and "how" behind them. This sentiment, coupled with humorous anecdotes about detailed drink recommendations and personal life, showcases the holistic nature of science – it's everywhere, from the classroom to the bar! Dave wraps up this enlightening conversation by highlighting Adam’s illustrious writing career, ensuring eager listeners know where to find more of his writings.
For science teachers, this episode serves as a potent reminder: to inspire the next generation, we must first be insatiably curious ourselves. Dive into this episode and reignite that spark!
You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon
You can connect with Adam Rogers here:
His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko
ABOUT adam
Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.
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Jul 24, 2023
Exploring the Intersection of Science, Culture, Color and Alcohol with Adam Rogers: Part 1
In an enlightening podcast episode, host Dave Baker engages with Adam Rogers, senior correspondent at Insider and the celebrated author of 'Full Spectrum' and 'Proof'. This episode provides teachers with a captivating exploration into the science of color and the science of alcohol, beautifully illustrating their convergence with cultural advancements.
Sparked by the internet's famed dress color perception controversy, Rogers delves into the intriguing science of color in his book 'Full Spectrum'. His investigation uncovers the central role of titanium dioxide, a mineral pigment prevalent in our everyday environment. The podcast emphasizes how our understanding of color propels us to create and simulate more colors, further deepening our knowledge, a cycle that Rogers also identifies in the science of alcohol in his book 'Proof'.
Rogers champions the use of familiar concepts, such as with cocktails, to simplify and communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. He advocates for an interconnected teaching approach that highlights practical applications, aiding students in grasping the intricate interplay between different disciplines. Rogers demonstrates his point by explaining the science behind whiskey production.
The podcast also sheds light on the historical and cultural significance of the pigment trade, drawing parallels to the spice trade due to their rarity and location-specific availability. The discussion underlines the lasting vibrancy of certain colors, like blue, and the fascinating color advancements in civilizations around the world.
Baker's conversation with Adam Rogers offers a vibrant journey through the landscapes of science, culture, color, and alcohol. It serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of scientific advancements and cultural changes. Be sure to tune in for part 2 of this engaging podcast episode, promising to continue this enlightening exploration of the science of color and the science of alcohol.
You can find Adam Rogers' books here: Books available through Amazon
You can connect with Adam Rogers here:
His website: https://www.adam-rogers.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrrogers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jetjocko
ABOUT adam
Adam Rogers is a journalist at Insider, writing about science, technology, and culture. A longtime editor and writer at Wired, he wrote that one story about the Dress that one time (think which color do you see?). He is also the author of the New York Times science bestseller Proof: The Science of Booze, and his latest book is Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern.
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Jul 3, 2023
Teaching Students Using Holistic Education with Jacob Chastain: Part 2
Dave and Jacob question the true meaning of education in a society where information is readily accessible through smartphones. Part 2 of this teacher podcast, host Dave Bakker engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Jacob Chastain, delving into various aspects of education and teaching. This teaching podcast touches upon the ongoing debate between traditional and classical education, and the hosts delve into the value of studying classics and engaging in time-tested educational activities.
Looking toward the future, this STEM podcast episode discusses potential changes in education, including automated essay writing and the utilization of AI-generated prompts. However, the hosts express reservations regarding the potential lack of engagement and enjoyment in these approaches. The conversation also widens its scope to explore the broader societal implications of relying heavily on AI and automation, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the limitations and possibilities that technology presents.
Throughout the podcast, the hosts stress the positive contributions that technology has made to education, such as fostering connections among people and providing new avenues for expression. They advocate for finding a balance between recognizing the limitations and potential dangers of technology while harnessing its positive impacts to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Empowering teachers to innovate within the education system is seen as crucial, and creative solutions are highlighted as essential in navigating the challenges of modern education.
Moreover, the podcast episode delves into the influential role of teachers in inspiring students, recognizing their individual learning styles and preferences. This teaching podcast emphasizes the significance of understanding students' diverse needs and tailoring educational approaches accordingly. The conversation also explores the profound impact of failure on personal drive, highlighting the value of self-awareness and taking ownership of one's actions. They discuss the importance of teaching problem-solving and communication skills, promoting a well-rounded education that prepares students for various real-world challenges.
Dave and Jacob encourage listeners to reflect on the impact of technology, the role of inspiring teachers, and the power of self-reflection in personal growth. With an emphasis on finding a balance and fostering creativity in education, this episode offers practical perspectives for both teachers and educators seeking to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape.
Connect with Jacob:
Teach Me Teacher Podcast
Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher
Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost
Twitter—@jacobchastain_
ABOUT JACOB
Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas.
Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft.
His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show.
Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker.
The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students’ lives.
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Jun 19, 2023
Teaching Students Using Holistic Education with Jacob Chastain: Part 1
In the first part of this enlightening episode, Dave engages in a dialogue with Jacob Chastain, the dynamic host of the popular 'Teach Me, Teacher Podcast'. As a guiding star in the education realm, Chastain offers illuminating insights into the bustling world of teacher podcasts, while championing authentic conversation and acknowledging the oft-overlooked heroes of the classroom - a must-listen for educators looking to connect, learn, and grow.
Jacob shines a light on the thrilling spontaneity that comes with nurturing a dedicated audience on teacher podcasts. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, authenticity, and genuine commitment to the subject matter, making it a significant resource for teachers worldwide.
Jacob also brings attention to the underappreciated work of educators in classrooms, lauding those who offer exceptional insights despite not having extensive fame or publications. In his view, the establishment of reliable teacher communities where educators can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and extend mutual support is critical. He advocates for sincere discussions and collective initiatives as the roadmap to meaningful transformation in education.
The discussion further delves into the theme of standardized testing in science and its impact on education. Jacob and Dave scrutinize how traditional testing methods might not adequately capture students' growth and capabilities, especially in disciplines like writing and science. Jacob accentuates the need for real-world problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills, arguing that these crucial abilities aren't effectively evaluated by standardized tests.
Jacob strongly advocates for integrating language arts and science education to produce proficient scientists and engineers capable of effectively communicating their ideas. He also suggests a more holistic approach to assessment, such as portfolio-based evaluations, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of students' progress and potential.
Throughout this dynamic conversation with Jacob Chastain, they traverse a wide array of topics, delving into the subtleties of podcasting, emphasizing authenticity, and calling for a shift in the assessment approach in education. This episode brims with thought-provoking insights and profound, meaningful dialogue, making it a must-listen for every educator interested in teacher podcasts, standardized testing in science, and integrating language arts and science.
Connect with Jacob:
Teach Me Teacher Podcast
Facebook—Facebook.com/teachmeteacher
Instagram—@teachmeteacherhost
Twitter—@jacobchastain_
ABOUT jacob
Jacob Chastain is the host and creator of the Teach Me, Teacher podcast, a former literacy coach, author, speaker, trainer, and curriculum writer, and is currently teaching seventh-grade English in Ft. Worth Texas.
Jacob believes that educators should be pushing the boundaries of what it means to engage students in the classroom and that teachers are currently in the golden age of education. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, educators all over the world can connect and share ideas to improve their craft.
His award-winning Teach Me, Teacher podcast reaches tens of thousands of educators every month across the world, is a top-rated podcast on Apple Podcasts, and has featured some of the premier minds and personalities in education on the show.
Some of the top guests featured on the show are Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Kim Bearden, Hamish Brewer, Kelly Gallagher, and Todd Whitaker.
The show covers anything and everything related to the wonderful world of education but is sure to focus on how they can all step up and be a positive influence for good in their students’ lives.
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May 30, 2023
Project Based Learning is a Teachers Super Power with Dr. Sally Creel
In this podcast, Dave discusses Project Based Learning (PBL) with Sally Creel, a STEM & Innovation Supervisor in Cobb County, Georgia. They delve into the benefits of authentic learning, inquiry-based approaches, and hands-on experiences in fostering student-centered and collaborative education. Sally highlights the importance of integrating PBL into the curriculum to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation among students. They also explore the significance of 21st-century skills, such as problem-solving and project management, and emphasize the role of teacher professional development in implementing effective PBL strategies. Tune in to gain insights on engaging students through real-world applications and promoting STEM education through project-based experiences.
Connect with Sally on Twitter: https://twitter.com/STEMsally
Connect with Sally's innovation department: https://twitter.com/STEMcobb
Connect with Cobb County School District STEM department on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cobbscience
If you are in Georgia, sign up for STEM Palooza happening Summer of 2023: http://www.stemcobb.com/stemapalooza-2023.html
Re-watch the Science is Cool 8 panel featuring Dr. Sally Creel, "The State of STEM in Georgia": https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/the-current-state-of-stem-in-georgia
ABOUT sally
STEM and Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County School District
Dr. Sally Creel, K-12 STEM & Innovation Supervisor for Cobb County Schools in Georgia, has spent the last 28 years as an educator, science and STEM administrator working with leaders, teachers, and K–12 students. Dr. Creel earned a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from Shorter College in Georgia, a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College in Georgia, and her doctorate in Teacher Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Dr. Creel served as the President of the Georgia Science Supervisors Association and Science Teaching Association and continues to work as a professional development consultant for several organizations including the National Science Teaching Association, Georgia DOE, Kennesaw State University, FTW Robotics, Picture Perfect Science, Teacher Created Materials and various federal grants. Dr. Creel has most recently contributed to the publication Navigating the challenges of elementary science teaching and learning: Using case-based pedagogy to understand dilemmas of practice. She was also a consulting author for the Smithsonian’s STEAM Readers series and STEM Position Statement for the National Science Teaching Association. Dr. Creel currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Aquarium, Underwriter’s Laboratory OREE Advisory Board, and Interactive Research Methods Lab at Kennesaw State University.
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May 15, 2023
The Power of Educational Games with Dan White
Online educational games have been gaining popularity in recent years, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many schools to transition to remote learning. But what exactly are online educational games, and why are they so effective? To answer these questions, we spoke with Dan White, the CEO of Filament Games, a leading educational game developer that has worked with some of the biggest names in education, including Amazon, Scholastic, and the US Department of Education.
According to Dan White, online educational games are games that are specifically designed to teach or reinforce a particular concept or skill. They can be targeted at any age group, from preschoolers to adults, and can cover a wide range of subjects, including science, social studies, and language arts.
One of the key benefits of online educational games is that they can make learning fun. "Games have a unique ability to engage players in a way that traditional classroom instruction simply can't," says Dan White. "By tapping into the player's natural curiosity, we can create experiences that are both entertaining and educational."
But online educational games are much more than just a source of entertainment. They can also improve a range of skills, from problem-solving and critical thinking to collaboration and communication. "Games can provide a safe and low-stakes environment for players to practice and develop skills that are relevant to real-world situations," says Dan White.
Another advantage of online educational games is that they can be tailored to each individual learner's needs and abilities. "One of the great things about games is that they can adapt to the player's performance," explains Dan White. "If a player is struggling with a particular concept or skill, the game can adjust the difficulty level or provide additional support to help the player succeed."
While online educational games are not a substitute for traditional classroom instruction, they can be a valuable tool for teachers and students alike. "Games can be used to supplement classroom instruction and provide students with an additional opportunity to practice and reinforce what they are learning," says Dan White.
In conclusion, online educational games have the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. By making learning fun, improving a range of skills, and providing tailored instruction, they can help students achieve better outcomes and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Check out the session from ScIC6 with Dan White featuring Filament Games and First Global: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic6/virtual-robotics
Connect with Filament Games on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FilamentGames
Learn more about Filament Games: https://www.filamentgames.com/
ABOUT DAN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER for Filament Games
Dan White believes that good gameplay and good learning are complementary rather than oppositional forces. An alumnus of Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Dan earned an M.S. in Education Technology under seminal learning game scholars Drs. Kurt Squire and James Paul Gee. Prior to founding Filament, Dan worked as a teacher, an instructional designer, and a game developer. Dan’s passions include learning games, sustainability, mindfulness, and modernizing institutional education.
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May 1, 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Your Classroom with Jordan Harrod
In this intelligent episode, we sit down with an artificial intelligence expert, Jordan Harrod and learn about the immediate impact of AI and how it can help shape our future. Dave and Jordan's dive deep about everything AI and how it will change education.
They also discuss Chat GPT, machine learning, models and AGI, and we learn more than we thought we needed to know about how AI works. They discuss AI literacy, how AI is trained, how accurate or inaccurate AI can be, and how AI is even learning bias!
But of course, this is an education podcast, so what does this all mean for your students? Jordan and Dave discuss how students can use AI in the classroom, what they should avoid, and how teachers can leverage AI to help prepare their students for the future! The also answer the question - what do educators need to understand and watch out for in the classroom now that students can access this new technology?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanharrod
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordanbharrod/
Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/jordanharrod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JordanBHarrod
Newsletter: https://www.jordanharrod.com
ABOUT Jordan
Jordan Harrod (she/her) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics at the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Her research focuses on applying neuromodulation to clinically relevant challenges and using neurotechnology and machine learning to develop new tools for brain stimulation. Jordan received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in 2018, where she worked on interfacial tissue engineering, medical image analysis, and machine learning for MRI reconstruction. In her spare time, Jordan is actively involved in science communication via her YouTube channel, which focuses on engaging the public on artificial intelligence and Twitter, Tiktok, and Instagram.
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Mar 27, 2023
Making STEM Learning Accessible for All Students with Maynard Okereke
In this super fun episode, you will have the privilege of experiencing the incredible energy of the Hip Hop M.D.! Maynard Okereke talks with us about his amazingly upbeat approach to bringing STEM education to underserved populations and making it fun and accessible for everyone!
Dave and Maynard discuss aspects of our modern world such as social media and AI and how they can both help and hurt students during their childhood education. But both agree that this technology can be extremely helpful if used correctly to foster learning in a positive way!
They delve into the topic of AI and Chat GPT and ways that teachers and students can both use and learn from it in the classroom. They also discuss at length the drawbacks of brand-new technology and acknowledge the need to either embrace it or face getting left behind.
Maynard shares about his work in schools, at STEM events and conferences, and on his various media platforms. His goal is to show that STEM is definitely fun, but he stresses that the delivery matters. Maynard's passion is reaching underserved student populations, and he hopes to inspire students around the world to look up to "celebrity" scientists that look like themselves, just like they do sports figures or movie stars.
Maynard also fills us in on his exciting work with the USA Science and Engineering Festival during their many X-STEM events around the country.
You can hire Maynard for your own school or event! Connect with him and learn more at https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/
ABOUT MAYNARD
Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D., graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received both the Asteroid Award for "Best Streaming Content" and the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts. His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.
Noticing a lack of minority involvement in the S.T.E.M. fields, he created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths. His background in engineering, acting, music, business, and credible work in STEM make him uniquely qualified to engage on a wide variety of topics from an entertaining perspective. This is highly reflected in his speaking engagements and daily social media posts which provide both humorous and informative SciComm content.
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Mar 13, 2023
Victor Vescovo on the Science of Exploration
Quite possibly the "Most Interesting Man in the World". Victor Vescovo joins us on the show to tell us all about his explorations and what he thinks about the future of our civilization.
Victor has done many things in life, but during this episode we hear about his recent scientific explorations of the deepest parts of our oceans. He tells us about the creation of the first of its kind, reusable submersible that united build teams from around the world. Victor and his team used this new technology to dive into the five deepest trenches in the ocean.
Victor also talks with Dave about what the deep sea can teach us about the planet and how we can use that research to progress our society into the future. Can you guess which classic novel was Victor's inspiration?
Dave and Victor get into their favorite science fiction dystopian films and how close we have come to them becoming a reality.
We also learn why Victor does what he does, and he shares his childhood and the teachers in his l…
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Feb 27, 2023
Applying Culturally Responsive Pedagogy with Dr. Uchenna Emenaha
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Uchenna Emenaha to discuss the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy. We learn about Uchenna's journey to complete her Ph.D. on the topic and how she is applying her research in the real world.
Uchenna explains the basics of CRP (culturally responsive pedagogy). Dave and Uchenna discuss the impact that students' "lived experiences" have on their education, and how implicit or explicit bias can play a part. Uchenna is deeply passionate about the nuance of each individual student and has discovered a deep link between social justice and education. She stresses that it is vital that all students, especially minorities, have a safe space in order to adequately learn in a school environment.
Dave and Uchenna go on to talk about "responsible teaching" and how students can thrive in the right situation. Uchenna points out that getting students to think critically is the ultimate goal and teaching her students to use good dat…
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Feb 8, 2023
Teaching Science the Fun Way with the Amoeba Sisters
In this fun episode, Dave sits down with Brianna and Sarina, the creators of the hit YouTube channel The Amoeba Sisters! We learn all about their backgrounds and motivation for creating the channel that has been viewed by teachers and classrooms around the world over 160 million times!
Listen in to learn why their style of science content is so appealing to teachers and how it can be used in the classroom. You will also learn which one of the Amoeba Sisters is a good singer and which was a bad student growing up.
Dave and the sisters also discuss how to get students interested in science and why mixing up various styles of content delivery is important because no two students are alike!
Hear about their innovative approach to dealing with complex science concepts and popular science misconceptions and why kids love using their video content to learn about these topics, including the difference between mitosis and meiosis. Check out our Paul Anderson episode to understand the joke. L…
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Jan 23, 2023
Empowering Students with Steve Isaacs
In today’s episode, we are joined by Steve Isaacs. Steve was a classroom teacher for almost 30 years and helped pioneer Esports and gaming as part of student education. Listen in to hear his inspiring stories of empowering students through games, technology, and Esports leagues that are run entirely by student teams.
Dave and Steve discuss the difference between recreational gaming and using Esports and games for a purpose in student growth. Putting students in charge, letting them naturally find their roles, and offering just enough support for them to flourish is what gets Steve really excited.
Steve “went to the dark side” by leaving the classroom and joining the corporate world. He now runs Epic Games education programs, helping teachers guide their students to excel and get prepared for the jobs of the future that don’t even exist yet! He shared student success stories and how Esports leagues and gaming can actually prepare a high school student for a job directly out of…
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Jan 9, 2023
Earth's Future Looks Bright with Bob McDonald
In today's episode we talk to the voice of science for Canada and the world, Bob McDonald. Bob and Dave discuss growing up in the space age, learning about fundamental science as a child and ultimately going on to host Canada’s popular science radio program, “Quirks and Quarks”. We hear fun stories about Bob's efforts to educate the masses about science. This man even has an asteroid named after him that may or may not be headed for Earth!
Bob shares about the similarities between looking at the vastness of space through a telescope and looking at the infinite detail of the tiny building blocks of the universe through a microscope.
Bob just celebrated his 30th year as host of his show and is passionate about keeping kids curious about science. "Science isn't complicated!" Hear him tell how to make gravity wells, fire extinguishers, and black holes out of kitchen supplies!
His latest book has been on the bestseller list since it was published - The Future is Now: Solving the C…
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Dec 12, 2022
Getting students 'Hands On' with Dr. Temple Grandin
In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Temple Grandin and hear about her passion for hands-on learning and preparing students to enter the workforce with the practical skills that are essential for the sustainability of our world. Dave and Dr. Grandin discuss the need to add "shop" and other skills-based classes back into public schools. Dr. Grandin shares personal anecdotes about her colleagues whose career aspirations began in hands-on, practical classrooms like shop classes.
Dr. Grandin believes that early exposure is vital. She was exposed to the cattle industry at an early age and attributes that exposure to her long career and the success she found designing facilities for half of the cattle industry in the United States.
Dr. Grandin also gives us insight into the way she and many other individuals think and learn. She believes that understanding how others think is vital to society and shares insights from her latest book, Visual Thinking.
Find Dr. Grandin's books here: https…
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Nov 28, 2022
Staying Curious with Kari Byron
In today’s episode, Dave talks with Kari Byron, a professional curiosity communicator. Kari tells us about her career, her many diverse projects, and her mission to help people become good critical thinkers and "find the hope" in the world!
They also discuss how to sell the Eiffel tower, how to do flood control with diapers, and how many mentos you can eat while drinking diet coke before it becomes a big problem for you.
Kari has an art background that evolved into a science career. She was the first female host on the Discovery Channel, is a perpetually curious and adept question asker, and she is an expert at guerilla engineering. Listen in to hear her amazing perspective on life on using the scientific method, curiosity, representation, and inspiration to make excellent educational video content and lesson plans with her co-founder of EXPLR Media, Jenny Buccos.
Watch Kari's session with Jenny Buccos and Justin Shaifer from Science is Cool 9: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/s…
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Nov 15, 2022
Getting Students out of the Text Book with Hall Davidson
In this episode, Dave sits down with Hall Davidson from Discovery Education. Listen in to hear Hall tell us about his long career in education and about his current passion, the free Media Festival challenge for students worldwide and learn how to get involved as a judge. They also discuss the differences in autonomy that classrooms can have over a district but are still limited by rigid assessments that don't end up serving the student's futures. Hall goes on to discuss the importance of "getting out of the text book", grabbing the attention of your students and turning them into thinkers that can problem solve and not just do well on the tests! He is excited and passionate about the fact that he sees students every day taking ownership of the planet and coming up with real solutions to some of this worlds biggest challenges!
Hall's session from ScIC9: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic9/discovery-education
Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips: https://tinyurl.com/symposiumf…
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Nov 1, 2022
Providing Students a Global Perspective with Jenny Buccos
In this episode, we hear about the many world travels and projects of the one and only Jenny Buccos aka the real Dora the explorer. Listen in to hear Dave and Jenny discuss growing up in small-town America, traveling, visiting the Parthenon, and how much growth students can experience when they are taught to have a global worldview. They talk about involving students in the discussion of how education should be structured, how to highlight young innovators, and how to ensure representation in educational media.
Jenny and her business partner Kari Byron, aka the Crash Test Girl, are using their content to help shape students into the innovators of tomorrow.
Watch Jenny's session with Kari Byron and Justin Shaifer from Science is Cool 9: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic9/explr-media
Find Explr Classroom: https://explr-classroom.com/
ABOUT JENNY
Jenny is a multi-award winning director & producer. In 2003, before the existence of YouTube, she founded a multimedia website desi…
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Oct 24, 2022
The Art of Science Communication with Miles O'Brien
On today's episode, we sit down with award-winning journalist, Miles O'Brien. Listen in to hear Dave and Miles discuss the death of the newspaper and how news has transformed thanks to technology. They discuss the importance of science communication and why teachers must empower their students with critical thinking skills. Don't have a degree in science? That's ok - Miles' doesn't either! Hear Miles explain why having a degree in science is not a requirement to be an effective science communicator.
Learning that are no 'final answers' in science is an important part of science education for students. Miles believes that science simply is the adventure of investigating a problem and that scientific investigation should never end.
Find out what Miles and PBS are up to and how you can use his amazing work in your classroom.
Learn more about Miles on his website: https://milesobrien.com/
Watch Mile's conference session from Science is Cool 8: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic8/m…
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Oct 10, 2022
Real-world Science Using Project-based Learning with Gary Curts
Tune in to hear Gary Curts from Activate Learning swap travel stories with Dave including what happens when you drive a rental car over the saddle road in Hawaii and Gary’s adventures in volcanoes! Then, Dave and Gary talk about the state of science education today and the importance of the paper textbook in the digital age. Gary is a passionate science educator who also shares about his passion for project-based lessons to help students learning more effectively.
Watch Gary’s passionate conference presentation at Science is Cool 5: https://activatelearning.com/gary-curts-scic5/
ABOUT GARY
Retired High School Science Teacher
High School Science Curriculum Specialist
Gary Curts is a 40-year veteran teacher of Physics, Chemistry, Earth, and Life Science. He was a teacher in Dublin, Ohio, and retired in 2015. While teaching, he was concurrently on a special assignment with Dublin Schools Curriculum Department, his specialty being student-centered classrooms and metacognition. G…
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Sep 26, 2022
Making Good Science Thinkers with Dr. Eugene Cordero
In today's episode, we are privileged to speak with Dr. Eugene Cordero a.k.a. Dr. Burrito 🌯. Eugene is a climate scientist, professor, and founder of Green Ninja, The only environmentally-focused science curriculum in the country. He is on a mission to turn more children into good science thinkers. He also knows a lot about the carbon footprint of a burrito!
Listen in to hear about his love for climate solutions and veggie burritos. Dave and Eugene discuss the importance of being a good thinker but also about being able to be a good science communicator. Eugene uses storytelling and local action to make science approachable and relatable. Eugene explains how leveraging the drive for exploration in children and adult brains increases science comprehension!
Pop Quiz - What do 280 elephants have to do with the mail? 😀
Fair warning - by the time you are done listening to this episode, you will be hungry for a burrito 🌯.
Green Ninja’s website is https://web.greenninja.org/
F…
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Sep 12, 2022
Let's Empower the Teachers of the World with Mary Ford
In this episode, Dave chats with Mary Ford from Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots. Mary is a passionate advocate for science education and has had an extraordinary career. Listen in to hear about her work with primates in Borneo, making toast on a clothes iron with Jane Goodall, starting your own Roots and Shoots club, and how to get involved with more citizen science!
Mary and Dave also discuss her belief that teachers should be empowered to teach science in whatever way best suits an individual student. Teachers have one of the toughest jobs in the world. They have to be 100% planned and prepared, but also ready at a moment's notice to toss all of that out the window and pivot to what is best suited for their classroom. We hear Mary's take on how teachers of the world can feel empowered to do just that!
Links mentioned:
https://nhm.org/becoming-jane
https://twitter.com/RootsandShoots/status/1546888139293298688
Find Mary's ScIC session here: https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic…
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Aug 29, 2022
Every Student is a Scientist with Dr. Joy Kiano
In this episode of Science is Cool Unplugged, Dave talks to Dr. Joy Kiano, a lifelong scientist and educator, and is one of the busiest people we know! We first met Joy because she helped create a children's television program called N*Gen TV Africa (pronounced “engine”) featuring students and teachers from pan Africa. This show served as a way for kids to stay engaged in their science education while they were stuck at home during the pandemic.
Today, N*Gen TV Africa is a next-generation science TV show for young learners in Africa, designed to encourage a culture of curiosity and discovery, model holistic ways of learning, and promote positive gender norms. The program is a compilation of educational segments, delivered by charismatic teachers, exciting animations, fun quizzes, and experiments, as well as tips for healthy living. It has been picked up for multiple seasons and is featured through Discovery Education!
Joy also shares her journey to science growing up as a female…
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Aug 15, 2022
Discovering your Wow in the World with Meredith Halpern-Ranzer
In this episode, we talk with the Chief Executive Tinkerer from Tinkercast! Meredith and her team are the producers of a vast amount of educational content, activities, and podcasts featuring Guy Roz and Mindy Thomas. You'll definitely want to check out their most well-known project, Wow in the World!
Listen along with us and learn about their storytelling secrets to getting kids AND their parents to wonder about the world around them and be interested in the science behind it.
Find out more about Meredith, Tinkercast, and their new innovative platform at https://tinkercast.com/ . You can check out Meredith’s ScIC talk from ScIC7 at https://www.thepocketlab.com/video/scic7/tinkercast.
ABOUT MEREDITH
Meredith Halpern-Ranzer is an Emmy-nominated children’s media executive and the Co-founder and Chief Executive Tinkerer at Tinkercast, the company behind #1 kids podcast “Wow in the World”. As the CEO of Tinkercast, Meredith leads the vision and execution of business, partners…
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Aug 1, 2022
Science is All Around Us with Paul Andersen
In this episode, we sit down with Paul Andersen, who needs no introduction in the world of science teachers. For many years, Paul has been traveling the world helping science teachers implement the Next Generation Science Standards to educate the youth of the planet. His unique approach, down-to-earth demeanor, and relatability have made him the go-to expert on NGSS and a highly sought-after professional development speaker. Listen in to hear Paul and Dave discuss science teaching techniques, integration with other subjects, and the importance of early childhood science education.
Find Paul’s causation/correlation gear demonstration here: https://twitter.com/paulandersen/status/1362854573577097216
Contact Paul:
Paul Andersen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulandersen
Paul Andersen at ScIC: https://youtu.be/2_zMrb1Rql0
Bozeman Science: http://www.bozemanscience.com/
The Wonder of Science: https://thewonderofscience.com/
ABOUT PAUL
Paul Andersen is an educational consultant…
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